Dozens of Texas Democrats are heading to Illinois to prevent a quorum for Republican redistricting efforts that could add 5 new GOP seats to the House. Around 30 Democrats plan to stay in Illinois for a week, with support provided by Governor JB Pritzker. This move comes after Texas Republicans released a proposed congressional map that could benefit the GOP in the midterm elections. (Story URL)
Bureau Of Labor Statistics commissioner Erika McEntarfer was fired by President Trump after the monthly jobs report showed signs of economic decline. The data revealed much slower job growth than anticipated in July, with the U.S. adding only 73,000 new jobs, down from 147,000 in June. Trump claims the data was “rigged in order to make Republicans and me look bad.” (Story URL)
The Senate confirmed former Fox News TV host and Trump supporter Jeanine Pirro as the top U.S. federal prosecutor. Pirro, a former New York state district attorney and county judge, was confirmed along party lines 50-45. She was known for her support of Trump and baseless claims of election fraud. The Senate adjourned for a monthlong recess without advancing other Trump nominees. (Story URL)
The Smithsonian announced plans to update an exhibit at the National Museum of American History to include all of the impeachment proceedings in U.S. history. This decision follows the removal of a placard last month that referenced President Trump’s two impeachments. The museum stated that as the nation’s memory keeper, it is their duty to present accurate and complete histories. (Story URL)
A volcano on Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula erupted for the first time in hundreds of years, following a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake. The Krasheninnikov volcano sent ash 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) into the sky. Images showed dense clouds of ash rising above the volcano, with no ashfall reported in inhabited areas. The eruption triggered a 7.0-magnitude earthquake and a tsunami warning. (Story URL)
